​Brazilian Jiu-jitsu icon Demian Maia and one of his top instructors, Silvio Moraes, dropped into ZenQuest recently for another incredible seminar. Maia did not disappoint the nearly 50 in attendance from across Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island...and as far away as Texas. Demian shared some of the strategies he’s developed during a lifetime on the cutting-edge of the art. Strategies that have helped him to dominate in some of the most difficult challenges in the world over the last 20+ years. In a reverse of the usual pattern, this clinic focused on “No-Gi” material for the first 90 minutes, then switched to “Gi” for the second. Demian shared a variety of techniques including reliable take-downs, positional strategies, and submissions. Among the most impressive moves he showed were some of the most fundamental submissions from one of the most common dominant positions. But, each of the arm-bars from side-control he showed incorporated huge improvements to the “old-school” versions. In effect, the “new-school” versions are more effective, and very difficult to stop on the receiving end. The seminar ended with Demian and Silvio giving the students an opportunity to “roll” or spar with them one on one. At the conclusion of the seminar, hosts Connie and Mark announced that student Matt Bienia was being promoted to Purple Belt. Matt trains extremely hard on a regular basis, and has made great progress in his Jiu-jitsu over the last five years.After leaving ZenQuest, Professor (instructor in Portuguese) Demian went on to finish a series of seminars in the U.S. and then on to others in Europe. Big thanks to everyone who attended this, and a very special thanks to Demian and Silvio for providing an amazing opportunity to learn.